The Worldwide Desk Tennis Federation (ITTF) has applauded two Nigerian athletes; Olufunke Oshonaike, Segun Toriola, and three others specifically; Jean-Michel Saive (Belgium), Jörgen Persson (Sweden) and Zoran Primorac (Croatia) for his or her seven appearances, every, on the Olympic Video games.
The 2024 Paris Olympics is billed to get underway from July 26 until August 10.
In keeping with an announcement launched by the World Desk Tennis ruling physique, the Olympic Video games is a breeding floor for legends, however inside this elite firm exists an much more unique circle – Membership 7.
“These aren’t your common Olympians; they’re the desk tennis titans who’ve defied age, competitors, and the chances to compete a staggering seven occasions on the grandest sporting stage.
“Seven Olympic appearances is a testomony to an athlete’s unwavering dedication and distinctive expertise. These gamers have devoted years of relentless coaching, honing their expertise to compete on the highest degree. With the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Video games, the legendary Timo Boll is poised to hitch this elite membership, additional solidifying Membership 7’s standing as a mark of true desk tennis greatness,” the world physique stated.
Oshonaike being the one feminine within the Membership 7 featured on the Olympic Video games in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020).
“As a real trailblazer, Oshonaike isn’t simply the one girl in Membership 7, she’s additionally the primary African feminine participant ever to realize this feat. Her unwavering dedication and fierce spirit haven’t solely seen her symbolize Nigeria at each Olympics since Atlanta 1996 but in addition impressed numerous younger athletes throughout the continent,” ITTF acknowledged.
For Toriola, the world physique stated the African Video games desk tennis file holder featured on the Olympic Video games in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 set the tempo for others to comply with and he has been joined within the Membership 7 by Oshonaike as a pioneer for African desk tennis.
“Toriola wasn’t only a phenomenal participant, however a history-maker. His distinctive footwork and highly effective forehand helped him grow to be the primary African to succeed in the Males’s Singles quarterfinals on the Olympics (Beijing 2008), solidifying his place as a Nigerian sporting legend,” the world physique acknowledged.
Belgium’s Jean-Michel Saive options within the 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Sport’s.
Legendary Swedish star Jörgen Persson, described as a cool and picked up desk tennis participant, competed on the Olympic Video games in 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012.
Croatia’s Zoran Primorac who represented each Yugoslavia and Croatia all through his profession, featured within the 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympic Video games.
By Dotun Omisakin
